Destinations in Indonesia

Overview

Living in the shadows of an active volcano is like sitting on a time bomb, especially when one of them is called the Fire Mountain or Gunung Merapi, the volcano that dominates the center of the island of Java. Mt Merapi, located near Yogyakarta, is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. It is one of some 500 volcanoes in Indonesia, from which at least 129 are active, aptly giving this ar

Living in the shadows of an active volcano is like sitting on a time bomb, especially when one of them is called the Fire Mountain or Gunung Merapi, the volcano that dominates the center of the island of Java. Mt Merapi, located near Yogyakarta, is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. It is one of some 500 volcanoes in Indonesia, from which at least 129 are active, aptly giving this archipelago the name: the Ring of Fire.

Despite its frequent eruptions, Mt. Merapi is very central to the lives of the Javanese people and kings. For through its eruptions Merapi spews lava, ash and minerals to the surrounding areas. These provide nutrients for the soil, making this one of the most fertile areas in the world, and consequently the most densely populated. This majestic, perfectly cone-shaped volcano, with its peak at 2,911 meters above sea level, has also determined the lives of kings and realms. In the early 11th Century, the once mighty ancient empire of Mataram mysteriously disappeared, and power suddenly shifted to East Java. Scientists surmise that a violent eruption of Merapi in 1006 AD was the ruin of the empire.

This massive eruption also buried the nearby Borobudur temple in ash. More recently in the 20th century, a destructive eruption in 1930 claimed 1300 lives. Today Merapi still erupts intermittently, but the people here have befriended the mountain and accept its rumblings and coughs as part of normal natural phenomena.

The Merapi volcano plays an important part in the accepted cosmos of the Javanese sultans. The Keraton of Yogyakarta faces the mountain in one direct line. Merapi is also guarded by spiritual “guards” who give offerings to the mountain.

Local people respect the awesome power of this volcano. Annually, on the anniversary of the Sultan’s coronation, offerings (labuhan) are brought from the keraton of Yogya to Mt. Merapi , together with similar offerings carried to the Indian Ocean to the south, to appease the spirits of the mountain and the sea, in order to bring welfare to the inhabitants of Java.

Merapi is continuously monitored by a number of earthquake posts, who warn inhabitants of impending eruptions. Despite frequently giving out smoke, the mountain still attracts hikers and climbers.

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Tips

The peak of the mountain can be cold and dark, especially if you are trekking before sunrise so it is recommended to bring a flashlight, warm clothing, water, food and sturdy shoes.

The peak of the mountain can be cold and dark, especially if you are trekking before sunrise so it is recommended to bring a flashlight, warm clothing, water, food and sturdy shoes.

Get There

There are two ways to reach Mount Merapi, from Kaliurang or Selo.

From Yogyakarta, go further North to Kaliurang hill resort by public transport or by car. Kaliurang stands at 900 m on the slopes of Merapi. It is possible to arrange tours to Mt Merapi through travel agents and tour operators in Yogya.

Selo can be reached from Muntilan or Boyolali along a winding though spectacularly scenic road.

There are two ways to reach Mount Merapi, from Kaliurang or Selo.

From Yogyakarta, go further North to Kaliurang hill resort by public transport or by car. Kaliurang stands at 900 m on the slopes of Merapi. It is possible to arrange tours to Mt Merapi through travel agents and tour operators in Yogya.

Selo can be reached from Muntilan or Boyolali along a winding though spectacularly scenic road.

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To Do

For the fearless, the climb to the top of Mt Merapi is an adventure and adrenaline rush worth pursuing. The climb is arduous but the reward on reaching the top is some extraordinary views from the top of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This is a climb for those who like to live on the edge and aren’t afraid of a physical challenge.

There are observation posts built on the mo

For the fearless, the climb to the top of Mt Merapi is an adventure and adrenaline rush worth pursuing. The climb is arduous but the reward on reaching the top is some extraordinary views from the top of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This is a climb for those who like to live on the edge and aren’t afraid of a physical challenge.

There are observation posts built on the mountain from which you can take in the view of the lush Central Java landscape and the surrounding mountainside. The dramatic volcanic landscape is spectacular.

If you are willing to make the effort and leave very early in the morning you will be able to see the sunrise from Mt Merapi. The 360 degree panoramic view of sunrise from the craters rim is amazing.

Depending on your level of fitness, it usually takes around 5 hours to climb up and 3 hours to return.